Latest news with #Heisman-caliber
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lagway among college football's top-tier QBs, per The Athletic
Expectations are high for Florida quarterback DJ Lagway as he enters his sophomore season, but could the Gators really have one of the best signal callers in all of college football? The Athletic's Grace Raynor may have answered that question while seeking clarification on her greater concern, whether the SEC features the best quarterbacks in the sport or not. A tier list of the nation's quarterbacks released earlier in the month prompted Raynor's deep dive. The SEC has five Tier 1 quarterbacks, more than double the number of those in the ACC and Big 12 conferences. An ACC quarterback, Clemson's Cade Klubnik, tops the list, but four SEC quarterbacks follow, finishing with Lagway at No. 5. Arch Manning is separated from the rest of the pack at No. 10, but he's still considered a Tier 1 quarterback. It's a blowout win for the SEC, but everyone has to live up to those expectations. Raynor poses the question: "Can 5-star recruits turn potential into reality?" Two of the highest-profile names at the position haven't played all that much. Lagway started just seven games last year, and Manning is finally set to take over the Texas offense after spending two years as Quinn Ewers' backup. If both live up to the hype, they could battle for a Heisman at some point. "Lagway, who flashed immense potential in an inconsistent debut season, may have coach Billy Napier's fate in his hands," she adds. The other Tier 1 quarterbacks on The Athletic's list are already proven. Arkansas and LSU are returning Heisman-caliber starters in Garret Nussmeier and LaNorris Sellers, respectively. Oklahoma picked up John Mateer, who wowed everyone at Washington State as a dual threat. "(Lagway) started the second half of the season, and though he made his share of freshman mistakes, he showed why he was so highly regarded, capping the year with a 300-yard performance and bowl game MVP honors," reads the tier list report from Sam Khan Jr. and Antonio Morales. "He displayed elite arm talent, good mobility and poise beyond that of a typical true freshman. His size and strength helped him keep plays alive. With Lagway behind center, the future is bright in Gainesville." Yes, Lagway is considered one of the best quarterbacks in the game, but there's an asterisk next to that distinction that the Nussmeier and Sellers types don't have. A lower-body injury could slow his start, and public opinion moves fast. A lot is riding on Lagway's performance this year, but most seem to believe that he'll live up to the task. Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions. This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football DJ Lagway, SEC QBs on The Athletic tier list
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Lagway among college football's top-tier QBs, per The Athletic
Expectations are high for Florida quarterback DJ Lagway as he enters his sophomore season, but could the Gators really have one of the best signal callers in all of college football? The Athletic's Grace Raynor may have answered that question while seeking clarification on her greater concern, whether the SEC features the best quarterbacks in the sport or not. A tier list of the nation's quarterbacks released earlier in the month prompted Raynor's deep dive. The SEC has five Tier 1 quarterbacks, more than double the number of those in the ACC and Big 12 conferences. An ACC quarterback, Clemson's Cade Klubnik, tops the list, but four SEC quarterbacks follow, finishing with Lagway at No. 5. Arch Manning is separated from the rest of the pack at No. 10, but he's still considered a Tier 1 quarterback. It's a blowout win for the SEC, but everyone has to live up to those expectations. Raynor poses the question: "Can 5-star recruits turn potential into reality?" Two of the highest-profile names at the position haven't played all that much. Lagway started just seven games last year, and Manning is finally set to take over the Texas offense after spending two years as Quinn Ewers' backup. If both live up to the hype, they could battle for a Heisman at some point. "Lagway, who flashed immense potential in an inconsistent debut season, may have coach Billy Napier's fate in his hands," she adds. The other Tier 1 quarterbacks on The Athletic's list are already proven. Arkansas and LSU are returning Heisman-caliber starters in Garret Nussmeier and LaNorris Sellers, respectively. Oklahoma picked up John Mateer, who wowed everyone at Washington State as a dual threat. "(Lagway) started the second half of the season, and though he made his share of freshman mistakes, he showed why he was so highly regarded, capping the year with a 300-yard performance and bowl game MVP honors," reads the tier list report from Sam Khan Jr. and Antonio Morales. "He displayed elite arm talent, good mobility and poise beyond that of a typical true freshman. His size and strength helped him keep plays alive. With Lagway behind center, the future is bright in Gainesville." Yes, Lagway is considered one of the best quarterbacks in the game, but there's an asterisk next to that distinction that the Nussmeier and Sellers types don't have. A lower-body injury could slow his start, and public opinion moves fast. A lot is riding on Lagway's performance this year, but most seem to believe that he'll live up to the task. Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Miami Herald
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
5 Longshot 2025 Heisman Bets That Could Actually Hit
The Heisman Trophy is usually a quarterback award, and is usually reserved for the favorites. But every so often, a name pops up that nobody saw coming. Think Johnny Manziel. Think Robert Griffin III, or even DeVonta the pieces fall into place, these five under-the-radar quarterbacks could make serious noise in the 2025 Heisman race. Don't be surprised if one of them crashes the party by November. Kaidon Salter – Colorado Salter arrives in Boulder after flashing real dual-threat ability at Liberty. Now, he'll be working under NFL veteran Pat Shurmur in an offense that should simplify reads and create opportunities for chunk plays. Salter's 2024 numbers weren't eye-popping-1,886 yards and a 15:6 TD–INT ratio-but that came in just 11 games and under constant pressure. At Colorado, with upgraded weapons and national visibility under Deion Sanders, Salter is a textbook "system + spotlight" breakout Colorado wins early, his name will surface pretty fast. Sawyer Robertson – Baylor Robertson quietly had one of the best seasons in the Big 12 in 2024. He threw for 3,071 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just 8 interceptions while leading Baylor on a six-game win streak. His top-5 QBR (83.7) tells the story that this guy was flat-out efficient. Jake Spavital's system fits him like a glove, and with most of the offensive core returning in Waco, Robertson has the tools and the structure to post Heisman-caliber numbers. He's not a name being tossed around yet-but that could change quickly. Kevin Jennings – SMU SMU's offense under Rhett Lashlee has quietly become one of the most productive systems in the country and Kevin Jennings is right in the middle of 2024, Jennings completed 65% of his passes for 3,245 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while leading SMU all the way to the College Football Playoff in the program's first year as a Power 4 team. Jennings also added mobility as a runner and proved he could go toe-to-toe with big-time defenses down the stretch. Now entering 2025 with a playoff run behind him and the spotlight of the ACC schedule ahead, Jennings is poised to take another step. If he can clean up the turnovers and lead SMU to another 10+ win season, he could follow the Michael Penix Jr. blueprint-efficient, experienced, overlooked until suddenly in the thick of the Heisman conversation by November. Marcel Reed – Texas A&M Reed is one of the most interesting breakout candidates in the country. The former top-15 dual-threat QB out of Nashville saw action in 10 games as a sophomore at A&M last season, going 121-of-198 (61.1%) for 1,864 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. He also showed flashes as a runner, keeping defenses honest. What stood out is his composure and decision-making for a young quarterback. With a good offensive system under Collin Klein and a clear path to the starting job, Reed could explode, especially if A&M's talent finally clicks in the SEC. Jalon Daniels – Kansas When healthy, Daniels is electric. That's always been a question. Still, his leadership, and ability to create off-script give him legitimate Heisman upside. With a strong O-line, talented receivers, and a creative staff, Kansas is built to win shootouts under new offensive coordinator Jim Zebrowski. Daniels has posted multiple 300-yard games against top-tier Big 12 he stays upright and the Jayhawks stay hot, he's the kind of experienced, stats-heavy quarterback voters love. Related: 5 Transfer Quarterbacks Who Could Impact the College Football Playoff in 2025 Related: 5 College Football Quarterbacks Who Could Lose Their Starting Job Early in 2025 © 2025 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
Miami Herald
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Washington State Football Preview 2025: Cougars Season Prediction, Win Total Projection, Top Players
Washington State Cougars Key to the Season Get that ground game not that Washington State didn't have a rushing attack over the years. It just wasn't emphasized as much as the high-octane passing game, especially when you have Cam Ward under center. John Mateer went off, but the running backs now have to become a bigger a pivot for a program that didn't hit the 2,000-yard rushing mark in over a decade, and then had a fantastic 2025. By the way, South Dakota State ran for over 3,500 yards last season. So … X CFN, Fiu | CFN Facebook | Bluesky Fiu, CFN2025 Washington State PreviewWashington State Offense BreakdownWashington State Defense Breakdown Washington State Cougars Key Player Angel Johnson, RB Kirby Vorhees, and Maxwell Woods. Washington State didn't get South Dakota State's star rusher Amar Johnson - he's a Green Bay Packer now - but it brought in three other terrific Jackrabbit the Cougars ran well last year - at least for them - and again, the quarterback was the most dangerous option. This year's offense needs Johnson and the rotation of runners to take over. Washington State Cougars Top Transfer, Biggest Transfer Loss Top Transfer In: Caleb Franci, LB of all the terrific players coming in from South Dakota State, Franci should be the most productive new star. He's only 6-1 and 190 pounds, but he's a big hitter with wonderful range, making 78 tackles with seven broken up passes and 11 tackles for loss last Transfer Out: John Mateer, QB Jr.A whole slew of players followed former Cougar head coach Jake Dickert to Wake Forest, including offensive tackle Fa'ailili Fa'amoe, guard AJ Hasson, and receiver Carlos Hernandez. But Mateer was a Heisman-caliber playmaker last year who led Wazzu in rushing and was one of the nation's most effective passers. Now he's about to be a superstar at Oklahoma. Washington State Cougars Key Game Washington, Sept. 20There's no Pac-12 Championship to play for, and it's not getting into the College Football Playoff with a few too many tough road games, but beat the arch-rival for the second year in a row, and the year is made in before October.- 2025 Washington State Schedule Breakdown Washington State Cougars Top 10 Players 1. Caleb Franci, LB Sr.2. Zevi Eckhaus, QB Sr.3. Tucker Large, S Sr.4. Josh Meredith, WR Sr.5. Colby Humphrey, CB Sr6. Keith Brown, LB Sr.7. Angel Johnson, RB Sr.8. Matt Durrance, S Sr.9. Christian Hilborn, OT Sr.10. Jeremiah Noga, WR Sr. Washington State Cougars 2024 Fun Stats - Onside Kicks: Opponents 2-of-3, Washington State 0-of-0- Field Goals: Opponents 19-of-23, Washington State 8-of-13- Washington State Scoring: 3rd Quarter 66, 4th Quarter 126 Washington State Cougars 2025 Season Prediction, Win Total, What Will Happen Just how quickly can the new coaching staff make this work?This might not be the Washington State you're used to, but the starting 11 on defense should be terrific, and an improved running attack will make up for a toned-down passing Cougars will get off to a hot start, but a run of four road games in five dates from September 13th to October 18th - and a home game against Washington for the fifth game - will be an issue. Including the first of two games against fellow Pac-12 brother Oregon State, six road games in nine will be too much to overcome. But it'll still be a bowl season, it'll be a good first year for the new regime, and then it'll be on to life in the new The Washington State Win Total At … 6Likely Wins: Idaho, Louisiana Tech, San Diego State50/50 Games: at Colorado State, at James Madison, at North Texas, Oregon State, at Oregon State, Toledo, at VirginiaLikely Losses: at Ole Miss, Washington 2025 Washington State PreviewWashington State Offense BreakdownWashington State Defense Breakdown © 2025 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Panthers Sending Strong Message to NFL in 2025
Panthers Sending Strong Message to NFL in 2025 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Carolina Panthers were written off early in 2024. Now, just months later, one NFL analyst believes they're quietly building a team no one wants to play. Advertisement In a league where narratives can shift overnight, Aaron Leming of Windy City Gridironlisted Carolina as one of the NFL's most improved teams heading into the 2025 season, joining a group of rebuilding squads that all lost 12 or more games last year. But Leming didn't include the Panthers out of sympathy. He pointed to concrete roster upgrades and a rejuvenated quarterback as reasons for real optimism in Charlotte. 'They went from an easy win to a team nobody wanted to face down the stretch,' Leming noted, referencing Carolina's improved play late last season. Indeed, after a disastrous 1-7 start in 2024, the Panthers finished the year by winning four of their final nine, including a dramatic overtime victory over Atlanta in Week 18. That turnaround was sparked by the resurgence of quarterback Bryce Young, who showed flashes of his Heisman-caliber talent after early-season struggles and a temporary benching. Under new head coach Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan, the Panthers attacked the offseason with urgency. They added high-upside youth through the draft, highlighted by No. 8 overall pick Tetairoa McMillan, an explosive wide receiver with WR1 potential, and edge rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen. Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales with Ian Thomas (80) in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium.© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images The front office also turned to free agency to reinforce the defense, signing disruptive linemen Patrick Jones II, Tershawn Wharton, and Bobby Brown III. On the back end, safety Tre'Von Moehrig and rookie Lathan Ransom will help anchor what was a porous secondary. Advertisement 'The Jones, Wharton, and Brown additions will complement the high-round selections of Scourton and Umanmielen,' Leming explained. 'Add in Moehrig and Ransom… that should be enough to help get the Panthers' defense closer to league average.' That might not sound glamorous, but for a team that ranked bottom-five in nearly every defensive metric last year, average could be transformational. On the offensive side, retaining Adam Thielen's veteran presence and drafting McMillan give Young a stronger supporting cast. With running backs Chuba Hubbard and new addition Rico Dowdle forming a thunder-and-lightning backfield, Carolina may finally be able to control the tempo. Health will be crucial. The offensive line's ability to keep Young upright is perhaps the biggest variable standing between another lost season and a potential playoff push. Advertisement Leming put it plainly: 'Assuming the Panthers' offensive line can stay healthy, the offense has a quality ceiling.' It's still early. The Panthers are months away from taking a snap that counts. But with roster upgrades on both sides of the ball, a quarterback with something to prove, and a coach known for QB development, Carolina may not just be improved, they may be dangerous. Panthers fans, it's time to watch closely. The rebuild may finally be taking root. Related: Former Panthers Franchise Player Sparks Buzz with Bold Business Move Related: Panthers Join Savannah Bananas for Historic Weekend in Charlotte This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
